India summons Iranian envoy after firing incident hits Indian ships in Strait of Hormuz

New Delhi, 18-04-2026: India on Saturday summoned Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali after two Indian-flagged vessels came under attack while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, prompting New Delhi to register a strong diplomatic protest over the incident.

According to official information cited by Reuters, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the two India-flagged crude oil ships were attacked while navigating the strategically sensitive waterway. In response, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called in the Iranian envoy and conveyed India’s deep concern over the safety of Indian-bound vessels and maritime traffic in the region.

Sources indicated that India strongly raised the matter with the Iranian side and asked that its position be conveyed to authorities in Tehran. New Delhi also urged that safe and swift passage be ensured for Indian ships operating through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy corridor that has once again come under intense international scrutiny.

The diplomatic move came amid rapidly shifting developments in the Gulf. After Iran announced on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz had been reopened to commercial shipping, several vessels reportedly attempted to resume passage through the route. However, Tehran said on Saturday that restrictions had been imposed again, as tensions flared over its dispute with the United States.

Reports said the latest incident has heightened concerns over maritime security and the movement of commercial shipping through one of the world’s most vital oil transit routes. The firing episode involving Indian vessels has added a fresh diplomatic dimension to the already volatile regional situation.